Sunset tours are a beautiful way to experience Lowell's beautiful section of the Merrimack River. On this guided tour, we will meet you at the Boathouse and paddle upstream on the Merrimack River. Staff will instruct you in basic kayaking skills so you are comfortable on the water. We will enjoy the sunset while paddling upstream before heading back to the Boathouse in the twilight. Appropriate for adults and children approx 12 years old and older. All tours include equipment rental and safety/paddling instructions.
Sunset Tour Rain Dates! We have a Rain Date each week for our sunset tours. All tours will be regularly scheduled for Friday evening, but if it is raining on Friday, we will contact all registrants by email and/or phone by Friday early afternoon to shift to Saturday evening, same time, same place! If it is raining on Saturday, we will likely still go out. While we encourage everyone to try paddling in the rain (it's actually a really fantastic time to be out), we recognize some people wish to start in easier conditions! PLEASE hold your Saturday night available just in case. We won't be able to offer a refund unless there is someone on the waitlist who can take your place.
Equipment
All necessary program equipment is provided.
Please see the Plan Your Visit webpage for online waivers and what to bring and wear.
Physical Exertion
Easy: Participants will paddle 0-2 mi. / 0-4 km. on flat water conditions with minimal wind. No previous experience is required. Participant must be able to keep their head up while wearing a life jacket in deep water. Paddle times usually run approximately 1.5 hours.
Prerequisites
- Appropriate for adults and children when accompanied by a parent. See the Plan Your Visit webpage for recommendations regarding minors.
- Must be able to independently keep head above water while wearing in a life jacket/pfd.
- No previous experience required.
Cost
The cost is $30/person and includes instruction and equipment rental. You may bring your own kayak or canoe for $15 per person. Season pass holders $15.
| Tour Date and Time | Rain Date | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Friday June 27, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Saturday, June 28, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Register Online for June 27 / 28 |
| Friday, July 4, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Saturday, July 5, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Register Online for July 4 / 5 |
| Friday, July 11, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Saturday, July 12, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Register Online for July 11 / 12 |
| Friday, July 18, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Saturday, July 19, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Register Online for July 18 / 19 |
| Friday, July 25, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Saturday, July 26, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Register Online for July 25 / 26 |
| Friday, August 1, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Saturday, August 2, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Register Online for August 1 / 2 |
| Friday, August 8, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Saturday, August 9, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Register Online for August 8 / 9 |
| Friday, August 15, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Saturday, August 16, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Register Online for August 15 / 16 |
| Friday, August 22, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Saturday, August 23, 2025, 7-9 p.m. | Register Online for August 22 / 23 |
Waitlists
A note about waitlists: If a trip shows as full with 0 spots remaining, you may still register and will be placed on the waitlist. You will NOT be charged for trip costs, although you will be asked to enter your card information online. If a spot opens up on the trip, the first person on the waitlist will be contacted by Kayak Center Staff. You will have set amount of time (typically 1-2 days) to confirm your interest in the trip before the next waitlisted person is called. If you are no longer available to participate or do not confirm in time, the spot will be opened up to the next person on the waitlist.